Page 5 of Heiress of Fire

Leilani sighed. “Have the Mistrans printed out the newspaper with any new information?”

The afternoon sun became shadowed by the deep argent walls of the castle as they entered.

Valerie nodded. “I saw an early version of the newspaper but there were no updates.”

Leilani sighed as Davina shook her head. A loud ruckus of hooting and clapping began to resound in the castle corridors once a trio of young men entered the fortress. The three girls turned to them with annoyed looks, knowing well that it was just Beacon, Caleb, and Ron.

Valerie smiled once she set her eyes on Beacon, who wore a toothy grin. She walked toward him and embraced him. “Beacon, I missed you,” she pouted.

Davina smiled, watching how Beacon carefully wrapped a mahogany-sleeved arm around Valerie. They were the perfect match despite being born into different islands with different abilities.

“You saw him yesterday, you baby,” Leilani taunted, stepping away and heading to the youngest of the trio. “Brother, it’s good to see you.”

Davina noticed how Caleb was wearing his emerald Basalan Soldier uniform with his brown hair ruffled and sweat shining over his forehead. Caleb smiled at his twin sister and put his arms over her shoulders. “It’s good to see you as well, sister.”

Valerie and Beacon began to head deeper into the Castellum corridors. Davina smiled at Beacon as he passed by her and then turned to the last young man standing by the entrance. His figure was surrounded by the rays of the sun until he stepped a few feet closer to her. He already had his eyes set on her, and a small grin appeared on his face.

His brown and gray eyes sparkled once she reached him.

“Davina, you look wonderful today,” Ron greeted.

“Ron, this is just a simple kirtle,” she noted.

“You could be wearing a garbage cloth bag, and I would still believe you to be the most beautiful girl of Bellatorm.” Ron leaned toward her, not a single hint of hesitation in his eyes. She looked down and pursed her lips to stop herself from smiling.

“Shall we head inside for training before Master Abigail sends us on shuttle runs across the islands?” Davina asked.

“We shall.” Ron nodded as he clasped his hands behind his back, heading toward the halls of inner Castellum.

“How are your parents? Were they affected by yesterday’s Predator attack?”

“My parents are okay. Thank the King that they had found a place of hiding. The Predators caused minimal damage to the restaurant,” he replied as he held his gaze straight ahead.

Davina nodded. “That’s good. Will your family need any assistance with the restaurant?”

“Me and my brother made sure that everything was back to normal today in the morning. Thank you for asking.” He smiled at her.

The Aurisan girl couldn’t help but blush and recall the way the light had poured over his silhouette moments ago. The scene was similar to the lighting of a chandelier of crystals that showered him the night they met.

But if she were to be truthful with herself, she was uneasy because of the conversations she’d been having with Ron. Since the first night they met, he had been nothing but a gentleman to her, yet she could see the interest in his brown and gray-flecked eyes.

Davina turned to Ron as they walked along the hallway, an amused grin playing over his lips.

How she wished she didn’t melt at the sight of his smile.

THREE

The week had passed rather briskly for Davina. Tonight was the night of Sadoc’s birthday celebration. Dread weighed over her shoulders while she stood in front of Leilani’s mirror.

Luscious leaves and branches framed the glass reflector, and Davina was certain that it was Leilani’s doing.

She wore the dress her best friend had given her, which was covered with bright sparkles and different tones of her signature color. Deep shades of mauve mixed with lilac and lavender were embellished into the gown, layers of tulle lined themselves to her shins, and her shoulders were covered with sparkling mauve cloth.

Part of her enjoyed how the sparkling cloth blended well with her tawny beige skin. She did not enjoy parties, but she hoped today would be different, even if it was Sadoc’s celebration.

Leilani had made a small braid on both sides of Davina’s hair which she tied at the back. Her curls bounced once she twirled to examine her hair. If she did not enjoy herself at the party, she would at least have a good hair day.

The door clicked behind her.

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